Alternative Names

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass if you have a blockage in one or two coronary arteries, usually in the front of the heart. When one or more of the coronary arteries become partly or totally blocked, your heart does not get enough blood. This is called ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease. It can cause chest pain (angina
).

Your doctor may have first tried to treat you with medicines. You may have also tried cardiac rehabilitation or other treatments, such as angioplasty with stenting.

Coronary artery disease varies from person to person. Heart bypass surgery is just one type of treatment. It is not right for everyone.

Surgeries or procedures that may be done instead of minimally invasive heart bypass are:

Risks

Your doctor will talk to you about the risks of surgery. In general, the complications of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass are lower than with open coronary artery bypass surgery.

Risks for any surgery include:

Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs

Blood loss

Breathing problems

Heart attack or stroke

Infection of the lungs, urinary tract, and chest

Temporary or permanent brain injury

Possible risks of coronary artery bypass include:

Memory loss, loss of mental clarity, or "fuzzy thinking." This is less common in people who have minimally invasive coronary artery bypass than in people who have open coronary bypass.

Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)

A chest wound infection. This is more likely to happen if you are obese, have diabetes, or have had coronary bypass surgery in the past.

Low-grade fever and chest pain (together called postpericardiotomy syndrome), which can last up to 6 months

Pain at the site of the cut

Before the Procedure

Always tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the days before the surgery:

For the 2-week period before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. These might cause increased bleeding during the surgery. They include aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin), naproxen (such as Aleve and Naprosyn), and other similar drugs. If you are taking clopidogrel (Plavix), ask your surgeon when you should stop taking it before surgery.

Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.

You may be asked to wash your whole body below your neck with a special soap. Scrub your chest 2 or 3 times with this soap.

On the day of the surgery:

You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes chewing gum and using breath mints. Rinse your mouth with water if it feels dry, but be careful not to swallow.

Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.

After the Procedure

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery from surgery takes time, and you may not see the full benefits of your surgery for 3 to 6 months. In most people who have heart bypass surgery, the grafts remain open and work well for many years.

This surgery does not prevent a blockage from coming back. However, you can take steps to slow it down. Things you can do include:

Do not smoke

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Get regular exercise

Treat high blood pressure, high blood sugar (if you have diabetes), and high cholesterol

You may be more likely to have problems with your blood vessels if you have kidney disease or other medical problems.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.